The Calm “After” The Storm

It has been a week since my last post, but it feels more like a year. So much has occurred since Florence made her unwanted presence leaving behind a path of total destruction and devastation. We were directly in the path of the storm. We lost trees, roofing, siding and sustained lots of damage, but we are alive and not injured. The power was out for six days with crews working nonstop to restore life to normal. Today at 2:06 p.m. our norm returned. Air conditioning, internet, washing machines and vacuums came to life and we cheered. We take so much for granted and we are so thankful for the little things that become big things when we do not have them..

During the storm, I was amazed at the toll it took on my Parkinson’s. The symptoms were multiple and mighty. The tremors were so intense at night I could not stop them. The routine of taking hot baths and walking outside were not available. It was hot and humid which made sleeping tough, but somehow we make it through. My family was comforting and supportive and friends from everywhere were sending heartfelt thoughts and prayers. Most importantly, we have awesome neighbors. We checked on each other, we shared resources and we kept our spirits elevated.

I kept a journal throughout the storm which I may share at another point, but for now, I want to concentrate on the positive and relish the amenities we have had returned. I need to reflect on the whole event with a little distance from it. In the meantime, I just want to enjoyin the calm after the storm.